France’s new asylum law: What you need to know

On 1 August 2018, a new asylum and immigration law went into effect. What will change for asylum-seekers in France? Wesley Dockery explains.
In spite of controversy from both the political left and right, France enacted a stringent new asylum law last Wednesday designed to accelerate asylum procedures, expedite expulsions and quicker integrate successful applicants.
The bill was passed by French parliament with 100 votes in favour versus 25 against and 11 abstentions.
What changes?
Here are some of the major changes that will come into effect.

Time limit to file an asylum application

One of the major provisions of the law is the reduced time frame to claim asylum in France: Asylum-seekers now only have 90 days upon entering France to file an asylum application. Previously, asylum-seekers had 120 days.

Detention

The law doubles the number of days an asylum-seeker may be detained from 45 days to 90.

Crime and refugee status

Previously, France could withdraw refugee status from a migrant who had been convicted of a crime or an act of terror in France. This law now allows France to withdraw French refugee status from any individual who committed a crime in the EU or in a third country that is considered “democratic” by France.

Deportation

A migrant who has received a deportation order will no longer have 30 days to leave voluntarily if they have refused to get their fingerprints or photo taken by French authorities.

Working in France

Asylum-seekers can now work legally in France from six months after entering the country, rather than nine as it was previously.